St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church

CONTACTS Pastor Fr. Christopher P. Foustoukos Email: frchris@stvasilios.org Assistant Pastor Fr. Anthony Tandilyan Email: franthony@stvasilios.org Parish President Mrs. Pam Katsiris Email: pamyianni@comcast.net Stewardship Chairman Mrs. Pam Katsiris Email: Steve@stvasilios.org Pastoral Assistant Deacon Michael Fadel Pastor Emeritus Fr. Andrew Demotses Parish Nurse Sophia Grevelis, RN Office Manager Irene Stephanides Secretary Chrissa Pissios Office: Tel: 978-531-0777 Fax: 978-538-9522 5 Paleologos Street, Peabody, MA 01960 website: www.stvasilios.org www.facebook.com/stvasiliospeabody St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church WWW.STVASILIOS.ORG 7th Sunday of Matthew CANDLE COUNTER (Παγκα/ρι) SCHEDULE SUNDAY, August 7 Steven Anezis Michael Ambeliotis Ruth Morfis Victor Fanikos SUNDAY, August 14 John Rogers John Pnevmatikos Pam Katsiris Costa Partaledis ORTHODOXY ON TAP Thursday, September 22 Orthodoxy on Tap is a way of creating a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere to learn about various aspects of our social and spiritual life from well-equipped specialists. During our monthly conversations in local restaurants, we will be discussing a wide range of topics. For additional info please call Fr. Anthony 9785310777 or email him at franthony@stvasilios.org Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ August 7, 2016

Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Christianity has survived many centuries of unimaginable persecutions and attempted pollution by those for whom truth is relative and non-reality. Somebody once asked me Could you tell me what the color of the evil one is? I was a little confused and she said quickly, It is slightly darker shade of white. The same idea had been presented to me in a little different way: The half truth is more dangerous than the lie. I am the truth, says the Lord. The evil one has tried to distort The Truth in many ways in the heads of even the highest intellectuals of the world throughout all centuries. Christianity has been blankly refused by pagans. It has fought a good fight against Gnosticism and other eclectic confusions. Christianity has triumphantly risen from its own ashes at all times. As the Psalmist says, If the Lord is with us who can be against us? Our Lord is an Incarnate God and Transfigured Man who came in search of humans sitting in darkness where we can only identify things by touching them with our hands. We have perfect eyes to see everything clearly, under the daylight, but we prefer to sit in the darkness like the Galileans so that everything feels the same or close enough to be put under the same category. Truth is relative when we are in the darkness but now we have the choice not to remain in the darkness because The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5) Saint John the evangelist tells us that the uncreated light has come to the world to cast out all shadows and all relativism by taking us with Him back to Our Father who is in Heaven. He led them up a high mountain by themselves. There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun. (Matt. 17:1) This is an event that no other religion can claim to understand or even say that they have experienced anything similar. This was an event that confused even His disciples. They saw Elijah, the representative of the prophets and Moses the receiver of the law conversing with Jesus to show that He has not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them. (Matt. 5 :17) He wanted to show them and us that He, the Lord of Hosts who is surrounded by thousands of archangels and tens of thousands of angels, the Cherubim and Seraphim, had come down to fulfill the Father s entire plan of salvation. Filling our hearts with joy and gladness. He is the light of the world. Whoever follows Him will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. (Cf. John 8:12) Therefore we are all called to be children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. (1 Thess. 5:5) ST. VASILIOS 2016 FESTIVAL St. Vasilios 2016 Greek Festival Friday, November 4 5.00 pm til 10 p.m. DJ & Dancing 6 pm til 10 pm Saturday, November 5 - Noon til 11 p.m. Live Band & Dancing 7 pm til 11 p.m. (Saturday night $2 cover charge pp after 7 pm) Sunday, November 6 - Noon til 5 pm Homemade Greek Foods *Delicious Greek Pastries *Country Store * Boutiques *Kids Activities *Religious Items 5 Paleologos Street, Peabody, MA For More Information 978.531.0777/www.stvasilios.org We accept VISA+ MC Thank you Fr. Anthony 2 11

Koimisis of the Theotokos Sunday, August 7, 2016 Hymns Following the Gospel (Small Entrance) Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second- Mode When the angelic powers appeared at Your grave, the soldiers guarding it feared and became as dead. And standing by the sepulcher was Mary who was seeking Your immaculate body. You devastated Hades, not afflicted by it. You went to meet the virgin, and granted eternal life. You resurrected from the dead. O Lord, glory to You. Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Transfiguration in the Grave Mode You were transfigured upon the mountain, O Christ our God, showing to Your disciples Your glory as much as they could bear. Do also in us, sinners though we be, shine Your everlasting light, through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Giver of light. Glory to You. St. Vasilios 1 st Mode Your message was carried throughout the world. As it received your mighty word, By which you divinely made manifest And clarified the nature of existing things You set in order the customs of men, You who are royal priesthood! Holy Father, intercede with Christ our God To grant us His great mercy. Seasonal Kontakion in the Grave Mode You were transfigured upon the mount, O Christ our God, and Your disciples, in so far as they could bear, beheld Your glory. Thus, when they see You crucified, they may understand Your voluntary passion, and proclaim to the world that You are truly the effulgence of the Father. Apoluti/kion (Hxoc b /) Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάμεις ἐπὶ τὸ μνῆμά σου, καὶ οἱ φυλάσσοντες ἀπενεκρώθησαν, καὶ ἵστατο Μαρία ἐν τῷ τάφῳ, ζητοῦσα τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα. Ἐσκύλευσας τὸν ᾍδην, μὴ πειρασθεὶς ὑπ' αὐτοῦ, ὑπήντησας τῇ Παρθένῳ, δωρούμενος τὴν ζωήν, ὁ ἀναστὰς ἐκ των νεκρῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι. Apoluti/kion (Hxoc baru/c) Μετεμορθώθης εν τώ όρει Χριστέ ο Θεός, δείξας τοίς Μαθηταίς σου τήν δόξαν σου, καθώς ήδυναντο, Λάμψον καί ημίν τοίς αμαρτωλοίς, τό φώς σου τό αϊδιον, πρεσβείαις τής Θεοτόκου, φωτοδότα δόξα σοι. Apoluti/kion tou Agi/ou Basilei/ou (Hxoc a /) Konta/kion (Hxoc baru/c) Επί τού όρους μετεμορφώθης, καί ως εχώρουν οι Μαθηταί σου τήν δόξαν σου, Χριστέ ο Θεός εθεάσαντο, ίνα όταν σε ίδωσι σταυρούμενον, τό μέν πάθος νοήσωσιν εκούσιον, τώ δέ κόσμω κηρύξωσιν, ότι σύ υπάρχεις αληθώς, τού Πατρός τό απαύγασμα. 10 3

EPISTLE READINGSt. St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 15:1-7 Prokeimenon. Mode Plagal 2. Psalm 27.9,1 O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance. Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God. BRETHREN, we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached thee fell on me." For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of your Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Πρὸς Ρωμαίους 15:1-7 Προκείμενον. Ἦχος πλ β. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 27.9,1 Σῶσον, Κύριε τὸν λαὸν σου καὶ εὐλόγησον τὴν κληρονομίαν σου. Στίχ. Πρὸς σἐ, Κύριε, κεκράξομαι ὁ Θεός μου. Ἀδελφοί, ὀφείλομεν δὲ ἡμεῖς οἱ δυνατοὶ τὰ ἀσθενήματα τῶν ἀδυνάτων βαστάζειν, καὶ μὴ ἑαυτοῖς ἀρέσκειν. Ἕκαστος ἡμῶν τῷ πλησίον ἀρεσκέτω εἰς τὸ ἀγαθὸν πρὸς οἰκοδομήν. Καὶ γὰρ ὁ Χριστὸς οὐχ ἑαυτῷ ἤρεσεν, ἀλλά, καθὼς γέγραπται, Οἱ ὀνειδισμοὶ τῶν ὀνειδιζόντων σε ἐπέπεσον ἐπʼ ἐμέ. Ὅσα γὰρ προεγράφη, εἰς τὴν ἡμετέραν διδασκαλίαν προεγράφη, ἵνα διὰ τῆς ὑπομονῆς καὶ διὰ τῆς παρακλήσεως τῶν γραφῶν τὴν ἐλπίδα ἔχωμεν. Ὁ δὲ θεὸς τῆς ὑπομονῆς καὶ τῆς παρακλήσεως δῴη ὑμῖν τὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖν ἐν ἀλλήλοις κατὰ Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν ἵνα ὁμοθυμαδὸν ἐν ἑνὶ στόματι δοξάζητε τὸν θεὸν καὶ πατέρα τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. Διὸ προσλαμβάνεσθε ἀλλήλους, καθὼς καὶ ὁ Χριστὸς προσελάβετο ὑμᾶς, εἰς δόξαν θεοῦ. 4 Everyone is welcome in the Orthodox Church and may receive the blessed bread (antidoron) at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy. Sadly, the divisions in the church prompt us all to work towards reunited Christianity. The culmination of this reunion will be the ability of all Christians to receive the Eucharist together. Until that blessed day arrives, only Orthodox Christians who are in good sacramental order are permitted to receive Holy Communion in the Orthodox Church. If you have any questions or concerns please speak with Father Chris. Bible Class Every Wednesday @ 10 am & 7pm Greek School Begins Wednesday, September 7 Agiasmos Prep for International festival Thursday, September 8 Winter Hours Begin Sunday, September 11 Church School Begins Sunday, September 11 International festival Sunday, September 11 WELCOME TO OUR VISITORS DATES TO REMEMBER Orthodoxy on Tap Thursday, September 22 Ministry Sunday Sunday, September 25 Peabody 100 year parade Sunday, October 2 Sisterhood of St. Makrina begins Thursday, October 6 Men s Club Casino Night Saturday, October 8 Men s Club Memorial Founders Day Breakfast Sunday, October 16 THE SISTERHOOD OF ST. MAKRINA The Sisterhood of St. Makrina will begin again on Thursday, October 6th and meet for 8 weeks. The class gathers from 9:30am to 11am and is open to all women. For more information feel free to contact Pres. Claire 617-957-0175. 9

MBC FALL CAMP! Can't get enough MBC? Come to our FIRST ANNUAL Fall Camp! We are now offering a weekend GOYA Fall Camp in November, and we'd love for you to join us for our inaugural camp! Dates: November 6th - 8th Tuition: $100 Winter Hours Please note that winter hours for Church Services begin on Sunday, September 11, 2016 INERNATIONAL FESTIVAL St. Vasilios will be participating in the City of Peabody s annual International Festival on Sunday, September 11 th. If you are interested in making a donation for this event, please contact Pam Katsiris at 978-740-2449. We will be skewering for the International Festival on Thursday, September 8th, at 6 p.m. in the Educational Center. Please contact Steve Stephanides at 978-744-8230 to volunteer. All are welcomed to assist. Orthros - Greek 8:00 a.m. 1 st Divine Liturgy - English 9:00 a.m. 2 nd Divine Liturgy - Greek & English 10:30 a.m. WINTER HOURS ANNUAL MINISTRY SUNDAY XEIMERINES WRES Oi xeimerine/c w/rec qa arxi/souv thn Kuriakh,/ 11h Septembri/ou 2016. Orqroc - Ellhnika/ 8:00 p.m. Prw/th Qei/a Leitourgi/a-Agglika/ 9:00 p.m. Deu/terh Qei/a Leitourgi/a Ellhnika/ kai Agglika/ 10:30 p.m. SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2016 Our Annual Ministry Sunday will be held on Sept 25 th during coffee hour. Our Parish Ministries will be available with information and any questions you have. There will also be committees that need your support. If you want to join Education, Parish Elders, Building planning to name a few, the Parish Council will be there with the information you need. Please join us for Coffee hour and learn more about our Parish. 8 GOSPEL READING The Gospel according to Matthew 9:27-35 At that time, as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, "See that no one knows it." But they went away and spread his fame through all that district. As they were going away, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, "Never was anything like this seen in Israel." But the Pharisees said, "He casts out demons by the prince of demons."and Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people. Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 9:27-35 Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, παράγοντι ἐκεῖθεν τῷ Ιησοῦ ἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ δύο τυφλοὶ κράζοντες καὶ λέγοντες ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς, υἱὲ Δαυΐδ. ἐλθόντι δὲ εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν προσῆλθον αὐτῷ οἱ τυφλοί, καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ Ιησοῦς πιστεύετε ὅτι δύναμαι τοῦτο ποιῆσαι; λέγουσιν αὐτῷ ναί, Κύριε. τότε ἥψατο τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν λέγων κατὰ τὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν γενηθήτω ὑμῖν. καὶ ἀνεῴχθησαν αὐτῶν οἱ ὀφθαλμοί καὶ ἐνεβριμήσατο αὐτοῖς ὁ Ιησοῦς λέγων ὁρᾶτε μηδεὶς γινωσκέτω. οἱ δὲ ἐξελθόντες διεφήμισαν αὐτὸν ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ γῇ ἐκείνῃ.αὐτῶν δὲ ἐξερχομένων ἰδοὺ προσήνεγκαν αὐτῷ ἄνθρωπον κωφὸν δαιμονιζόμενον καὶ ἐκβληθέντος τοῦ δαιμονίου ἐλάλησεν ὁ κωφός, καὶ ἐθαύμασαν οἱ ὄχλοι λέγοντες ὅτι οὐδέποτε ἐφάνη οὕτως ἐν τῷ Ισραήλ. οἱ δὲ Φαρισαῖοι ἔλεγον ἐν τῷ ἄρχοντι τῶν δαιμονίων ἐκβάλλει τὰ δαιμόνια. Καὶ περιῆγεν ὁ Ιησοῦς τὰς πόλεις πάσας καὶ τὰς κώμας διδάσκων ἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς αὐτῶν καὶ κηρύσσων τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς βασιλείας καὶ θεραπεύων πᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν ἐν τῷ λαῷ. 5

PLEASE PRAY FOR Marie, Irene, Dorothy, Sofi, Jim, Gus, Maria, Christos, Penelope, Irene, Helen, Sophia, Vasiliki, Stacia, Nicholas, Stephen, Jimmy, Nina, David, James, Christopher, Denton, Christine, Steven, Ariana, Hannah, Alex If you wish to add or remove a name from the list, please call the Church Office. CEMETERY VISITS Due to the number of sacraments, 40 day blessings and memorials on Sundays it is difficult to make cemetery visits on Sundays after liturgy. If you would like a Trisagion at the graveside during the week you are kindly asked to make an appointment by calling the church office. HOSPITAL VISITS Due to HIPAA privacy rules, hospitals no longer provide a list of Orthodox patients to us. Therefore, if you or a loved one are, or will be, in the hospital, please contact the church office for a pastoral visit. Also, please notify the office if a friend or family member is in a rehab center, nursing home, assisted living facility or under hospice care. ALTAR DONATIONS LITURGY LIGHTS In loving memory of Michael C. Lignos. James Maravelias in memory of wife Dora maravelias. TODAY S MEMORIALS We commemorate today the blessed memory of the following members of our parish who have fallen asleep in the Lord: 40 day William Tournas 24 yr. Trisagion Diane Tsouvalas During the summer months we will alternate the Creed and the Lord s Prayer between English and Greek This Morning : The Creed will be recited in English. The Lord s Prayer will be recited in Greek. 40 DAYS TO 4 YEARS PLAYGROUP The church playgroup will resume meeting again this fall! Come join us to form new friendships with other children of Orthodox Christian faith from the St. Vasilios community. The playgroup generally meets in the lounge in the back of the parlor room in the lowest level of the church. All children 4 years old and under are welcome to attend with a parent, grandparent, or other caretaker. Books and toy donations are always appreciated. For more information, please contact Kimberly Sofronas at kimtucci@yahoo.com. 2016 Playgroup Meeting Dates: 9/13, 9/27, 10/11, 10/25, 11/1, 11/15, 12/6 and 12/13 from 10:00-11:30am WEEKDAY SERVICES Paraklesis Monday, August 8 7 pm Paraklesis Wednesday, August 10 7 pm Paraklesis Friday, August, 12 7 pm Dormition Monday, August 15 8:00 a.m. Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy St. Phanourios Saturday, August 27 8:00 a.m. Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy Beheading of John Baptist Monday, August 29 8:00 a.m. Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy KAQHMERINES IERES AKOLOUQIES Para/klhsic Deute/ra 8 h Augou/stou 7 mm Para/klhsic Teta/rth, 10 h Augou/stou 7 mm Para/klhsic Paraskeuh/, 12 h Augou/stou 7 mm Koi/mhsic Deute/ra, 15 h Augou/stou 8:00 pm Orqroc 9:00 pm Qei/a Leitourgi/a Agiou Fanouri/ou Sabba/to, 27 h Augou/stou 8:00 pm Orqroc 9:00 pm Qei/a Leitourgi/a Apotomh/ Kefalh/c Prodro/mou Deute/ra, 29 h Augou/stou 8:00 pm Orqroc 9:00 pm Qei/a Leitourgi/a 6 7